This Sunday, April 12, 2026, the City of Light transformed into a stage of emotions, sweat and self-transcendence. The 49th edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris brought together exactly 58,853 runners from around the world to experience an extraordinary adventure. 57,464 of them crossed the finish line, through tears, smiles, and the cheers of a loyal and passionate crowd. Here’s the story.
- 49% were running their first marathon, 33% women, 29% international participants, average age of 38
- Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa (2h05'18) and Ethiopia’s Shure Demise (2h18'34, course record) were the fastest
- €8.5 million raised by 8,500 runners for more than 300 charities: a record for charity bibs
- 40 entertainment zones and an electric atmosphere throughout the course
If it took 2h05'18 for Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa and 2h18'34 for Ethiopia’s Shure Demise to win the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2026 this Sunday, exactly 57,464 runners completed the course through the heart of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Runners came to break records, take on a personal challenge, support a cause or a charity, or simply to feel that unique sense of unity created between the legendary streets of Paris, the warm encouragement of spectators, and the collective breath of those who dare to push their limits.
The magic worked again
A quiet Sunday morning at home? Not a chance in the capital with the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris! Exactly 58,853 runners (33% women) traded a lie-in for an early start on the Champs-Élysées to experience a moment of glory. The biggest running event in France stands out for its unique ability to bring together, in one place and within a single morning, both casual runners and international medalists. Behind the elite athletes with their fluid stride, every runner gets to explore « the most beautiful city in the world » through a one-of-a-kind journey across the capital’s most prestigious avenues and squares—from the majestic Champs-Élysées to the Bois de Vincennes, passing by the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra Garnier, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. And in doing so, join the great family of « finishers ».
The City of Light was filled with signs, chants, drums and declarations of love. Every kilometer told a story. Along the course, no fewer than 40 animation zones energized each stride, contributing to the excitement and atmosphere of the Paris race. Whether runner or spectator, the route turned into a true popular celebration in the heart of the capital.
Nearly 200,000 spectators lined the course to cheer on the runners. Two friends, Mathis Delbarre and Léa Vandenbroucke, were waiting for their friend Paul-Lénaïc Pervès: « he’s a friend from Brest and we work in Paris, so it was the perfect opportunity to support him. We followed him along the course and he looked really happy to see us near the end, coming out of the Bois de Boulogne. You have to be everywhere at once—you have to choose. We didn’t have time to stop because he was running fast to go under 3 hours. »
The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is also about families gathering along the streets to support one of their own all the way to the finish line. One family, with grandparents included, was waiting for their two sons-in-law, Matthieu Langlois and Frédéric Grossot, as well as a family friend, Sébastien Daumas: « there are seven of us cheering them on across three generations! We saw them just 150 meters from us and it was already amazing. The kids are happy to cheer for their dad, who finished in 2h46. »
A real rise in women marathoners
In this 2026 edition, female participation reached a historic level: 33% of the field were women, compared to 31% in 2025, 28% in 2024 and 25% in 2022—a steady increase that reflects the growth of women’s running. Beyond the numbers, it was the personal stories and testimonies that truly marked this edition.
Cristèle Ramassamy (47, pediatric nurse) completed her second marathon in 4h01: « I started marathons last year—I ran 4h02 in Paris last year. I thought I’d go under 4 hours, but I ran 4h01 this year—it’s okay, that’s already good! And then I was impressed by the new hydration system. It used to stress me before my race but it was super smooth I never had to wait to refill my reusable cup, it is great that Paris is leading the way »
First-time marathoners on the rise
Another striking figure: nearly one in two participants (49%) were discovering the 42.195 km distance for the first time, compared to 41% in 2022. A spectacular democratization that highlights the growing appeal of the marathon among a new generation seeking personal challenge, transformation, and meaningful experiences.
All smiles on Avenue Foch, Kevin Janvier (34) crossed the finish line in 2h46, four minutes faster than his goal: « I’m dead! I’m very proud, I did better than expected, even though I enjoy shorter distances like 5 and 10 km more. I signed up right after last year’s Marathon de Paris with a group of friends, but they started in later corrals. »
A challenge embraced by the youth
More and more young people are taking on the marathon challenge, driven by a strong desire to push their limits. Victor-Emmanuel Botteri (21, biology master’s student) and Ophélia Botteri (24, strategic planning intern) officially became finishers after 4h01 of effort: « it was tough, but I stayed with Ophélia, so it was okay—she was incredibly strong. I wanted to be with her for the full 42 km. You have to be careful when you’re young, so we’ll wait a bit before doing another one, but we’ll be back. Our parents are used to it, so they weren’t here, but they’re waiting for us at home with breakfast! »
A global event
Another indicator of the international appeal of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris: nearly one-third of the field (29%) came from abroad. Among them, runners from the United Kingdom were the most represented after France, followed by those from the United States. This growing international presence is turning the Paris race into a truly global marathon event, where accents mix and cultures meet across the 42.195 km.
At the finish line, we met Canadian runner Julie Lajeunesse (46), who completed her ninth marathon in 2h43'36: « I came for the Paris half marathon in 2013 and told myself I’d come back when I ran marathons. It’s a beautiful course, an incredible crowd—I loved it! I had watched lots of videos, I knew where the inclines were. I’m staying a full week to enjoy the city afterward. Back then I ran on emotion, and that’s what I did today—I ran for myself. »
Solidarity takes center stage
Since 2012, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris has included a charity bib program, allowing participants to take part while supporting a cause close to their heart. The growth of solidarity engagement is striking: around 8,500 runners (6,000 in 2025) proudly wore charity bibs, raising more than €8.5 million for 300 organizations.
That was the case for Joseph Petrop (29), who completed his first marathon in 3h21: « it was incredible—my first marathon! I’m from New York and New Jersey, I love Paris. I had only been here once for two nights. I had just started running and told myself I’d come back to run the marathon, so it was amazing. I ran for the American Cancer Society. I lost my grandparents, and my father had cancer this year. He’s doing well now. I’m running the Brooklyn Half Marathon in four weeks. »
Under the sign of resilience
More than just a sporting event, the presence of para athletes at the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is a powerful symbol of inclusion. For wheelchair athlete Jorge Madera Jimenez (8th in 2h33'28), with at least a dozen marathons to his name, it was much more than a race: « I’m from Spain and came with a friend. Two years ago, I was in the hospital for surgery. Now I run to be happy, because my professional career is over due to my prosthesis. »
Laure Manaudou, the inspiration behind a first marathon
Laure Manaudou, one of the most notable personalities in the field (Hyundai ambassador), completed her marathon in 4h30'44. The Olympic swimming champion became a source of inspiration for all those taking on their first 42.195 km. Her key words: self-improvement, progress and well-being. « I felt good until the 29th km. I was lucky to have my big brother and Marion (Pelé) with me the whole race. I was supported all along the course. Congratulations to all the runners! »
One week after setting a new European 5 km record in Lille in 12'51, Jimmy Gressier was also in the capital this Sunday. The world 10,000 m champion, who did not finish, took the opportunity to record a podcast for RMC Running… while running.
Miguel Mattioli, better known as Michou on YouTube (11 million subscribers), also made his way through the most iconic spots of the City of Light this Sunday.
As the streets return to calm and legs begin to recover, hearts remain filled with this magical moment. The marathon ends, but the emotions stay forever.